Updated! You are missing these, though:
STA: Transformers: Prototypes: Machine Wars "Mirage" Test Shot
STA: Transformers: Prototypes: Machine Wars "Megatron" Test Shot
Transformers Hasbro Prototype Machine Wars Test Shot Mirage | eBay
Transformers Beast Wars Dirge Prototype Pre Production Test Shot Unreleased 1995 | eBay
1996 Kenner Hasbro Machine Wars Transformers jet Skywarp rare prototype | eBay
1996 Kenner Hasbro Machine Wars Transformers jet Skywarp rare prototype | eBay
1996 Kenner Hasbro Machine Wars Transformers Hoist Prototype rare
Transformers Expo 2014 Tokyo

 

Major update for chapter 11!


Massive theory: The Machine Wars Prowl/Mirage and Hoist/Hubcap sculpts were intended to be the mysterious "Free Solarbot Transformer" that was advertised on proof cards for the Go-Bots Firecracker, Gearhead and Blowout, and I'm sure it's no coincidence that all the 1995 figures feature Robot Points on the back of their packaging...

 

All of the G2 TF's featured robot points, at least in the US. And it was a total scam. Nothing was ever made available and even as a kid I found it pretty criminal you could do that with consumers. I saved every point for years, for nothing.

 

"Scam" would imply that Hasbro did that on purpose to screw over its customers for no apparent gain. In reality, I would assume they had planned some campaign but with the G2 line struggling, those plans fell through.

 

I always figured Solarbot was that clear yellow-ish Gearhead (?) prototype. I'd pull it up from TFwiki but it's still down.

 

Putting that on cardbacks, much like contantly advertising toys with more paint operations than they know their budgets allow, is most definitely intentionally deceptive. They could have made something available, year after year the line continued didn't it? Let Hasbro come defend itself if it wants, but it was a scam incentive to buy more toys. Be willing to call a spade a spade.

I also agree that I thought Solarbot was the clear Gearhead.

 

Which clear Gearhead prototype?

 

File:ClearRacingRigDriver.jpg - Transformers Wiki

 

Update! Found photos of a 2001 Beast Machines Basic shipping case.


This confirms that it was Robots in Disguise 2001 that introduced the term "wave" in an official capacity.

 

That's a prototype of Greasepit, no?

 

It is, but at Botcon 94 they said the prototype was intentionally made those colors, without giving much in the way of explanation. So, I just inferred that this figure could be Solarbot.

 

1995: the year greed broke

 

Slightly better version of Laser Cycle Road Rocket's Canadian packaging: